INTRODUCTORY. 3 



addition to these three abbeys, there was a priory of 

 Augustins at Worksop, so that the forest was almost as 

 well supplied with monks as with deer. 



The northern half of the forest was more thickly 

 wooded than the southern, and, indeed, is so now, that 

 part around the town of Ollerton still retaining its 

 ancient trees, and forming the most perfect specimen of 

 a forest of the feudal times existing in England. Besides 

 the extensive tracts still unenclosed, large portions have 

 been reclaimed from their sylvan wildness, and form 

 parks which, for extent and beauty, have few equals in 

 the country. Thoresby, Clumber, Welbeck, RufFord, and 

 Worksop Manor, all cluster round the present forest, of 

 which in bygone years they formed no insignificant 

 portion. These extensive domains, whilst retaining 

 much of their original beauty, have been greatly im- 

 proved by their owners, and their wild features have 

 given place to a softer loveliness. Much of the open 

 heathy ground has been covered with thriving woods 

 and plantations, especially of oak, an enormous number 

 of these trees having been planted by the late Duke of 

 Portland, who took great delight in the work. Large 

 sheets of water, swarming with wild fowl, ornament each 

 park, and the game in all is closely preserved. 



The whole of this district, in addition to its charm of 

 great natural beauty, possesses an historical interest, 

 which, in spite of these utilitarian times, is not soon 

 likely to die. I have spoken of the numerous monks, 

 who, loving good cheer, fixed themselves where it could 

 be easily obtained, but I must not omit to mention one 

 who was their sworn enemy. Robin Hood has won a 

 name in our nation's annals, whilst his gallant esquire, 

 Little John (a native of the county), with Will Scarlet^ 



B 2 



